Temporary and portable shelters for mourning, celebration, and spiritual use

ABSTRACT

An expandable shelter includes a canopy adjustable in length along a longitudinal axis. Legs support the canopy in an A-frame configuration defining an apex angle along an upper ridgeline. A shaded or sheltered area that is variable in length and width is defined. A mobile shelter includes multiple protective structures, each supported by a respective generally vertical supporting column having a lower handle configured to be gripped and supported by a respective bearer. Each handle may be toroidal in shape for use at any angle. Non-level terrain may be traversed by coordinated movements of bearers with regard to each respective handle such that the protective structures are maintained in a desired configuration.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/258,100, filed Apr. 22, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/814,866, filed Apr. 23, 2013; the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to shelters and other protective structures. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to expandable, temporary, and/or mobile protective shelters and structures and methods of sheltering processions.

BACKGROUND

Processions and gatherings of mourning, celebration, and other spiritual and social purposes occur sometimes in outdoor environments, where participants may be subjected to rain, wind, and sun. In both mourning and celebrating situations, the participants may prefer some protection against the elements. Participants in any such gathering may be wearing valued clothing unintended for or vulnerable to precipitation and other outdoor conditions.

Processions may travel over stairs and non-level terrain. Despite weather and terrain conditions, dignity and decorum are often of utmost importance to participants. Participants may walk in formation or procession from indoors to outdoors, or among multiple locations and gather in school yards, church yards, community centers, cemeteries and other locations of spiritual significance.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need to provide shelters that are convenient to use.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description of Illustrative Embodiments. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

An expandable shelter includes a canopy having pleats, the canopy being adjustable in length along a longitudinal axis between an expanded and a collapsed configuration. Legs support the canopy in an A-frame configuration defining an apex angle along an upper ridgeline, the apex angle being adjustable between an open and closed configuration by angular adjustment of the legs such that a width transverse to the length is adjustable. A shaded or sheltered area that is variable in length and width is defined.

A mobile shelter for carriage by multiple bearers includes multiple protective structures, each supported by a respective generally vertical supporting column having a lower handle configured to be gripped and supported by a respective bearer. Interconnecting structures maintain relative spacings between the multiple protective structures. In at least one example, each handle is toroidal in shape, providing a round comforting gripping surface for use at any angle.

A method of sheltering a procession of people includes supporting by multiple human bearers multiple respective protective structures, each protective structure supported by a respective generally vertical supporting column having a lower handle gripped and supported by a respective human bearer while interconnecting structures maintain relative spacings between the multiple protective structures. In at least one example, the method includes traversing non-level terrain by coordinated movements of the bearers with regard to each respective handle such that the protective structures are maintained in a desired configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, there are shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments; however, the presently disclosed invention is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed.

FIG. 1 is a side view of an example expandable shelter in a partially expanded configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the shelter shown in FIG. 1 in a collapsed configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a leg segment in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrates different views of embodiments of components of an expandable support framework in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example mobile shelter supported by multiple bearers in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate different views of embodiments of components of an expandable support framework in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate different views of embodiments of components of an expandable support framework top skeleton structure;

FIG. 8 is a front view of an embodiment of an expandable support casing in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the internal structural components of an expandable support casing in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an example mobile shelter supported by multiple bearers by a v-shaped horizontal spacer beam in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the v-shaped horizontal spacer beam in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an example expandable shelter in an expanded configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the disclosure of the technology herein is presented with sufficient details to enable one skilled in this art to practice the invention, it is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed technology. The inventor contemplates that future technologies may facilitate additional embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter as claimed herein. Moreover, although the term “step” may be used herein to connote different aspects of methods employed, the term should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly described.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an example expandable shelter 100 in a partially expanded configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the expandable shelter 100 includes a canopy 102 that is supported by legs 104. The canopy 102 is illustrated as having a pleated construction having pleats 108 that can be expanded and collapsed linearly along a longitudinal axis, generally designated by double arrow 106. An upper ridgeline 110 defines, at any point along the longitudinal axis 106, an apex angle 112 between legs 104 or side panels 114 supported by legs. The shelter 100 defines an A-frame structure having an apex angle 112 that can be opened and closed by hinging of the support legs 104 at their junction or other upper convergence under or at the ridgeline 110. By linear expansion and collapse along the axis 106, the longitudinal length of the expandable shelter can be adjusted as desired. By opening and closing of the apex angle 112 the transverse width of the expandable shelter 100 can be adjusted as desired. Thus, the expandable shelter 100 defines a shaded or sheltered area that is variable in length and width, such as a rectangular area.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the shelter 100 shown in FIG. 1 in a collapsed configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, a sash 118 is shown as being wrapped or bound about the shelter 101 for securing the shelter in a collapsed configuration during handling, travel, and storage. The sash 118 or other flexible member having tensile and shear strength such as a cord, rope or chain may be used to tether the shelter 100 to a building such as a church, to an architectural structure such as a gazebo, to a tree in cemetery, or to an anchored pole or other secure object. Hooks or other grappling elements may be included with one or more tethering elements to secure the shelters against movement in high winds.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the legs 104 are sectioned as leg segments 116 connected end to end so as to provide a variable height of the ridgeline 110 and to permit orientation of the ridgeline as horizontal or sloped as desired over variable terrain, which may be encountered for example in school yards, church yards, community centers, cemeteries and other locations of spiritual significance. Junctions 120 of adjacent leg segments 116 may be fixed, releasable, collapsible, foldable, telescoping, or hinging.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a leg segment 116 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, the leg segment 116 may include an end cap 122 provided at upper and/or lower ends of the legs 104 to provide decorative or sloped termination and/or ground penetration for secure placement of the expandable shelter 100. The end cap 122 has a conical head 124 and an opposite threaded shank 126 received by a threaded internal bore of a leg segment.

The canopy 102 may be a weatherproof covering made of waterproof and/or water repellant material. For example, the canopy 102 may be made of nylon fabric or other textiles that shed rain water and other precipitation. In other examples, canopies can be made of sheer fabrics and heavy fabrics. The canopy 102 may be opaque, translucent, or transparent. For example, substantially opaque black coverings may be used for winter or funeral ceremonies and lacey white coverings may be used for a spring or wedding ceremonies.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrates different views of embodiments of components of an expandable support framework, which can be used for many purposes including, for example, supporting a structure such as the canopy 102 of the expandable shelter 100 shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 4A, the figure shows a deployed expanded configuration 212 so as to variably be stowed for transportation and storage and deployed on location where a supported shelter is needed or such a framework is otherwise desired. Referring to FIG. 4B, the framework includes framework members 202 that can be segmented or attached end to end to form, for example an extended linear framework assemblies 208 shown in FIG. 4C. Holes 204 are formed through the illustrated framework members 202, for example for passing a pin or rod 206 for attaching or securing the members. The framework members 202 can be arranged in a gathered flat configuration 210 as shown in FIG. 4D.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an example mobile shelter 500 supported by multiple bearers 502 who are illustrated as attire as appropriate, for example, in a procession of mourning, celebration, or other spiritual or social purposes. The shelter 500 includes multiple protective structures 510, each of which is supported by a vertical supporting column 512 having a lower handle 514. Each handle is gripped and supported by a respective bearer 502. The handles are illustrated as toroidal in shape, providing a round comforting gripping surface for use at any angle. In FIG. 5, the bearers are illustrated as gripping the handles 514 with their arms extended down to provide relatively low shelter. A relatively higher shelter is provided when the bearers extend their arms upward collectively supporting the mobile shelter at a raised position. Indeed, the mobile shelter 500 can be maintained in an approximately level orientation, with the protective structures 510 at approximately equal absolute heights, when ascending or descending stairs or traversing non-level terrain by coordinated movements of the bearers 502 with regard to each respective handle 514. For example, forward bearers ascending uphill may maintain handles 514 in relatively low positions and following rearward bearers may maintain handles in relatively higher positions. In a further example, forward bearers ascending downhill may maintain handles 514 in relatively high positions and following rearward bearers may maintain handles in relatively lower positions. Thus, the mobile shelter 500 can be carried in an elegant and dignified manner across non-level surfaces and terrain.

Each protective structure 510 includes a respective covering 516. In at least one example, the coverings 516 are weatherproof coverings made of waterproof and/or water repellant material. For example, the coverings 516 may be made of nylon fabric or other textiles that shed rain water and other precipitation. In other examples, the coverings are made of sheer fabrics and heavy fabrics. The coverings may be opaque, translucent, or transparent. For example, essentially opaque black coverings may be preferred for use in a winter or funeral procession and lacey white coverings may be preferred in a spring or wedding procession. The decorum of the coverings may be varied to match the robes of the bearers 502.

Internal structures may be included as part of each protective structure 510 to maintain the coverings 516 in open or stretched configurations extending at least somewhat outward from their respective supporting columns 512. Interconnecting structures such as horizontal spacer beams 518 extend between the protective structures 510 to maintain the spacing between the protective structures 510 and to maintain the overall physical configuration of the mobile shelter 500. In one example of the mobile shelter 500, a respective horizontal beam 518 is rigid and is fixed at its two ends to a neighboring pair of vertical supporting columns 512, such that a rectangular footprint is maintained of the mobile shelter 500 with protective structures 510 at four corners thereof as illustrated in FIG. 5. Thus, in that example, the mobile shelter includes four protective structures 510 held aloft by four vertical supporting columns 512 maintained in a rectangular plan arrangement by four horizontal beams 518. In other examples, mobile shelters according to these descriptions includes other numbers of vertical supporting columns maintained in other plan arrangements, which may be rectangular or otherwise, by other numbers of horizontal beams.

The coverings 516 may be separate from each other as illustrated in FIG. 5 to define separate respective areas, each for use by a respective mourner, celebrant, or other honored guest. In other embodiments, in other examples, the coverings 516 are joined together along their edges to define a consolidated area for use by one or more such people, or for further example, for carriage of a casket or other vehicle or object or structure of distinction, honor, or importance. Thus, one or more mobile shelters 500 may be used to honor and shelter, for example: the deceased and surviving family members in a funeral procession; a bride and groom and family members in a wedding procession; clergy persons or others in the procession of a religious practice.

In FIG. 5, the bearers 502 support the handles 514 from offset standing or walking positions without occupying the covered areas under the coverings 516 so as to allow space to accommodate others under the coverings 516. It should be understood that the bearers may otherwise shelter themselves by standing or walking under the coverings 516.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate different views of embodiments of components of an expandable support framework, which can be used for many purposes including, for example, supporting a structure such as the canopy 102 of the expandable shelter 100 shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 6A, the figure shows a deployed expanded configuration 602 with a series of rods 604 extending in a perpendicular fashion from a support rod 608. Referring to FIG. 6B, the framework includes framework members 606 that can be segmented or attached end to end to form, for example an extended rectangular linear framework assembly 608 shown in FIG. 6BC. Holes 610 are formed through the illustrated framework members 202 as shown in FIGS. 4C and 4B, for example for passing a pin or rod 206 of FIG. 4B for attaching or securing the members. The framework members 202 can be arranged in a gathered flat rectangular configuration 612 as shown in FIG. 6B or any other type of polygonal shape similar to the rectangular configuration 612 illustrated in FIG. 6B.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a front view of a top skeleton structure 702 of the expandable support framework of the present application. Referring to FIG. 7A, the internal skeletal structure 702 defines an A-frame structure having an apex angle with arms 706 extending outwards. As further shown in FIG. 7A, the arms 706 extend downward from an octagonal support segment 704 which receives each one of the arms 706. The arms 706 may also be characterized as support legs, support extensions, or support extension members. An expandable support rod 710 also extends from an opening portion 708 positioned in the middle of the octagonal support segment 704 (which will be explained next). As further shown in FIG. 7B, the opening portion 708 is illustrated as oval or circular, but, can be any reasonable shape consistent with the expandable support rod (explained in detail below). The octagonal support segment 704 has an opening at each segment to allow for the arms 706 to extend outwards.

FIG. 8 is a front view of an embodiment of an expandable support rod 800 in accordance with embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 8, the arms 802 may extend at an angle orthogonal to the expandable support rod 800. The expandable support rod 800 includes a support segment casing 814 which further includes at least two slots 804 and a within a support segment casing 814 of the expandable support rod 800. The support segment casing 814 includes a release button 806 for engaging and disengaging the arms 802 between an open and close position. As further shown in FIG. 8, the expandable support rod 800 includes a neck 810 portion which extends from the expandable support rod 800 to the group. The neck 810 corresponds to the top portion of the leg 812.

For further illustrative purposes, a front view of the internal structural components of an support segment casing 814 discussed in FIG. 8 is disclosed in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, a support segment casing 900 includes a spring 902 which may be responsible for aiding with the compression and automation of the arms 802 as they are engaged to be opened and closed. The spring 902 may be wrapped around the slot 904 in a coil fashion and further include a push up-ring portion 906. The push up-ring portion 906 moves up and down with pressure from the spring once engaged and disengaged. The neck 910 corresponds to the neck 810 as disclosed in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an example mobile shelter configuration 1000 supported by multiple bearers 1002 who are illustrated as attire as appropriate, for example, in a procession of mourning, celebration, or other spiritual or social purposes. The mobile shelter 1000 includes multiple protective structures 1004, 1006, and 1008, each of which are supported by the expandable support rod 800 as illustrated in FIG. 8 and depicted in FIG. 9 at reference label 1010. The multiple protective structures 1004, 1006, and 1008 are interconnected by a v-shaped horizontal spacer beam 1012. The v-shaped horizontal spacer beam 1012 is attached to the expandable support rod 1010 in an adjacent manner. The multiple protective structures 1004 and 1008 are without a expandable support rod 1010 relieving the bearers 1002 from having to hold or grip the expandable support rod 1010. For instance, the bearers are illustrated as with both hands to their sides or positioned at their stomachs.

FIG. 11 illustrates an expanded view of the example mobile shelter configuration 1100 with the v-shaped horizontal spacer beam 1110 which are supported by multiple bearers 1002 who are illustrated as attire as appropriate, for example, in a procession of mourning, celebration, or other spiritual or social purposes. The mobile shelter 1000 includes multiple protective structures 1004, 1006, and 1008, each of which are supported by the expandable support rod 800 as illustrated in FIG. 8 and depicted in FIG. 9 at reference label 1010. The multiple protective structures 1004, 1006, and 1008 are interconnected by a v-shaped horizontal spacer beam 1012. The v-shaped horizontal spacer allows for structural integrity and continuity between each multiple protective structure 1004, 1006, and 1008. Furthermore, the protective structure 1006, which includes the expandable support rod 1010, performs the structural operations of extending, opening, closing, engaging, or disengaging of the two additionally connected protective structures 1004 and 1008. As shown in FIG. 11, a four protective structure embodiment is disclosed which includes multiple protective structures 1102, 1104, 1106, 1108. Each multiple protective structure 1102, 1004, 1106, and 1108 are interconnected with the v-shaped horizontal spacer beam 1114 which further includes a first joint segment 1112 and a second joint segment 1116. The first and second joint segments 1112 and 1116 are capable of flipping up and down. Furthermore, the v-shaped horizontal spacer beam 1114 is interconnected and supported by the expandable support rod 1118.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an example of the expandable shelter of the present application. In FIG. 12, the bearers 1206 stand underneath a stationery expandable shelter 1202 configuration with support legs 104 from offset standing or walking positions without occupying the covered areas under the coverings 1204 so as to allow space to accommodate others under the coverings 1204. It should be understood that the bearers may otherwise shelter themselves by standing or walking under the coverings 1204.

While the embodiments have been described in connection with the preferred embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiment for performing the same function without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An expandable shelter comprising: a canopy having pleats, the canopy being adjustable in length along a longitudinal axis between an expanded and a collapsed configuration; legs supporting the canopy in an A-frame configuration defining an apex angle along an upper ridgeline, the apex angle being adjustable between an open and closed configuration by angular adjustment of the legs such that a width transverse to the length is adjustable; and an expandable support rod, the expandable support rod having at least one slot, a spring, and a octagonal support segment connected configured to receive at least one support extension member.
 2. The expandable shelter of claim 1, wherein the canopy is made of one of waterproof and water repellant material.
 3. The expandable shelter of claim 1, further comprising a grappling elements for securing one of the canopy and legs to another structure.
 4. The expandable shelter of claim 1, wherein the legs comprise a plurality of leg segments connected to each other for providing variable height to the canopy.
 5. The expandable shelter of claim 1, wherein the leg comprises an end cap.
 6. The expandable shelter of claim 5, wherein the end cap is configured to be removable.
 7. A mobile shelter for carriage by multiple bearers, the mobile shelter comprising: multiple protective structures, each supported by a respective generally vertical supporting column having a lower handle configured to be gripped and supported by a respective bearer; and interconnecting structures maintaining relative spacings between the multiple protective structures.
 8. A mobile shelter according to claim 7, wherein each handle is toroidal in shape, providing a round comforting gripping surface for use at any angle.
 9. A method of sheltering a procession of people, the method comprising: supporting by multiple human bearers multiple respective protective structures, each protective structure supported by a respective generally vertical supporting column having a lower handle gripped and supported by a respective human bearer while interconnecting structures maintain relative spacings between the multiple protective structures.
 10. A method according to claim 9, wherein each handle is toroidal in shape, providing a round comforting gripping surface for use at any angle.
 11. A method according to claim 9, further comprising: traversing non-level terrain by coordinated movements of the bearers with regard to each respective handle such that the protective structures are maintained in a desired configuration. 